Ellicott City, MD|News|
These Are Best School Districts In Baltimore, DC Areas, New Ranking Says
The 2026 Best School Districts in America list was recently released by the education ranking service Niche.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
- Across America
I'm a national breaking news editor covering and providing support in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. I re-joined Patch in 2019 as a roving editor before moving to the national desk in January 2020. This is my second stint with the company — I launched and managed Ankeny Patch in Iowa from 2011 to 2013.
Before returning to Patch, I spent four years assisting with marketing and communications for a nonprofit that provided services to people with disabilities. I also spent time as a reporter at the Des Moines Business Record, served as editor of the Britt News-Tribune in Iowa, and started my career as a journalist at the Jackson County Chronicle in Wisconsin.
Reach me at megan.verhelst@patch.com.
Posting Activity
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Man Accused Of Trying To Rob Silver Spring Gas Station At Gunpoint
Montgomery County police are searching for the man who they say attempted to steal merchandise from a gas station.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fairfax City, VA|News|
Financial Tips For VA Federal Workers Affected By Government Shutdown
Roughly 750,000 federal employees could be out of work during the shutdown, including 147,000 who live in Virginia. Tips on how to cope.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
Financial Tips For MD Federal Workers Affected By Government Shutdown
Roughly 750,000 federal employees could be out of work during the shutdown, including 269,000 who live in Maryland. Tips on how to cope.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD|News|
2 Suspects Sought Following Fatal Shooting In North Bethesda
Two men are wanted in connection with the Sept. 21 shooting death of 29-year-old Akwalabeng Fontava, police said in a statement.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Here Are 10 More MD Laws Going Into Effect On Oct. 1, 2025
From immigration rights to cannabis reforms, these laws affecting Marylanders go into effect on Oct. 1.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Silver Spring, MD|News|
Silver Spring Woman Dies In 3-Car Crash In Montgomery County
Two others suffered injuries in the Aug. 7 crash, according to Montgomery County police.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Wheaton, MD|News|
Driver Located After Fatal Hit-And-Run In Wheaton
A 52-year-old New Carrollton woman was killed in the Sept. 23 collision, according to Montgomery County police.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
2 Offshore Hurricanes Bring Dangerous Beach Conditions To VA
Parts of the East Coast are expected to experience some impacts from the twin hurricanes, according to forecasters.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
2 Offshore Hurricanes Bring Dangerous Beach Conditions To MD
Parts of the East Coast are expected to experience rip currents and beach erosion from the twin hurricanes, according to forecasters.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across California, CA|News|
CA Doctors Can Prescribe Abortion Meds Anonymously Under New Law
The legislation is the latest effort by California Democrats to protect abortion access to women .
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Smyrna-Vinings, GA|News|
5th Person Arrested In Infant's Shooting Death At Cobb Motel: Report
The 9-month-old girl was killed on Tuesday at a motel near Circle 75 Parkway, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
Valrico Man Accused Of Stabbing Girlfriend, Barricading Himself In Attic
The man is facing multiple charges following the Saturday incident, authorities said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Lakeland, FL|News|
Motorcyclist Killed In Crash In Polk County
The crash occurred Saturday morning on South Florida Avenue, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
PA Man Sentenced In Murder-For-Hire Plot Targeting NJ Prosecutors, Judges
The targets were all involved in the man's 2014 conviction for arson charges, officials said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Atlanta, GA|News|
4 GA Public Buildings Among Ugliest In The U.S., New List Claims
A survey asked more than 3,000 people to weigh in on the country's ugliest public buildings. These four GA buildings made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
3 VA Public Buildings Among Ugliest In The U.S., New List Claims
A survey asked more than 3,000 people to weigh in on the country's ugliest public buildings. These three VA buildings made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
Here Are 10 New MD Laws Going Into Effect On Oct. 1, 2025
From reckless driving penalties to disability identification, these laws affecting Marylanders go into effect on Oct. 1.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
This Is The Best VA German Restaurant To Celebrate Oktoberfest At
A new list compiled by Family Vacations U.S. highlights the best German restaurant in every state.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
This Is The Best MD German Restaurant To Celebrate Oktoberfest At
A new list compiled by Family Vacations U.S. highlights the best German restaurant in every state.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff